Questions Every Parent Should Ask
Choosing an orthodontist for your child is not the kind of decision most parents take lightly. You are not just picking someone to put braces on teeth. You are selecting a provider your family will see regularly for a year or more, trusting them with your child’s comfort, and investing real money in an outcome that affects confidence and long-term oral health. If you are searching for an orthodontist in Kennett Square, PA, or anywhere in Chester County, you already know there are options. The question is how to tell them apart before you ever sit down in a chair.
At Greeley Orthodontics, Dr. Connie Greeley has been treating patients in Kennett Square and the surrounding communities for years. Families come from West Chester, Wilmington, Hockessin, Avon Grove, and beyond. Some come because a pediatric dentist referred them. Others find their way here after doing exactly what you are doing right now, researching and asking questions. Either way, the process of choosing an orthodontist well starts with knowing what to look for.
Here is a practical guide to help you think through that process.
Start With Credentials, Not Just Reviews
Online reviews are useful, but they mostly tell you about the front desk experience and whether the office is clean. They do not tell you much about clinical skill. The first thing worth checking is whether the orthodontist is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics.
This matters more than it might seem. All orthodontists complete a dental degree and then a two to three-year residency in orthodontics. But board certification goes a step further. It requires passing written and clinical examinations that evaluate an orthodontist’s ability to diagnose, plan, and complete treatment to a high standard. Less than a third of practicing orthodontists in the US are board-certified. It is not a requirement, which is exactly why it is worth asking about.
Dr. Greeley holds board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics. She completed her dental degree at Temple University School of Dentistry, earned a certification in pediatric dentistry at the University of Maryland, and then returned to Temple for her orthodontic specialization. That is a longer and more specific educational path than most, and it shows in the range of cases she is comfortable treating.
When you are evaluating any orthodontist, ask directly: Are you board-certified? How long have you been practicing? Do you see complex cases, or do you primarily handle routine alignment? The answers will tell you a lot.
Ask About the Range of Treatments Offered
Not all orthodontic practices offer the same treatment options. Some focus almost exclusively on standard metal braces and one or two aligner brands. Others have a broader toolkit, and that matters because your child’s needs may not be straightforward.
A good question to ask is: What would you recommend for my child’s specific situation, and why? If the answer is the same for every patient regardless of their bite, jaw development, or age, that is worth noting. Orthodontic treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and an orthodontist who treats it that way may be limiting your options without telling you.
At Greeley Orthodontics, the treatment options include Damon braces, Spark clear aligners, Invisalign, traditional braces, early orthodontic treatment for younger children, and orthopedic growth correction. Dr. Greeley was also among the first orthodontists in the country to use aligner techniques when they came to market in 2000, which means she has more hands-on experience with aligner treatment than most. She also works with oral surgeons and restorative dentists on more complex cases, including patients preparing for implants or bridges who need their bite and jaw position corrected first.
That collaborative approach is not something every practice offers, and if your child has a more complicated situation, it is worth specifically asking whether the orthodontist coordinates care with other specialists.
Think About Timing, Not Just Treatment
One of the most common questions parents ask is: when should my child first see an orthodontist? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an initial evaluation by age 7. That surprises a lot of families, because most kids that age still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. But that is precisely the point.
An early evaluation does not mean early treatment. In most cases, the orthodontist will simply monitor the child’s development and let the parent know when and if intervention makes sense. But some issues, like certain bite problems or jaw development concerns, are much easier to address while a child is still growing. Waiting until all the permanent teeth arrive can mean missing a window where treatment would have been simpler and faster.
When you meet with an orthodontist, ask: Do you recommend early treatment for my child, and if so, what is the benefit compared to waiting? A good orthodontist will give you a straight answer and not push intervention unless it genuinely serves your child’s long-term outcome. If an office seems eager to start treatment on every young child who walks through the door, that is something to pay attention to.
Evaluate the Office Environment and Communication Style
This matters more than people expect. Your child is going to spend a significant amount of time in this office over the course of treatment. If they are anxious about appointments, the whole experience becomes harder for everyone. And if you feel like you have to fight to get clear answers about what is happening with your child’s treatment, that gets old fast.
Pay attention to how the team communicates during the initial consultation. Do they explain what they are seeing in terms a parent can understand? Do they take time to answer questions without making you feel rushed? Does the orthodontist talk directly to your child, or only to you? These small things reflect the culture of the practice.
The team at Greeley Orthodontics is known for creating an environment that feels welcoming to kids and teens. The reviews from families across Chester County consistently mention that the office feels warm and that staff take time to make patients comfortable. That is not an accident. It is a reflection of how Dr. Greeley has built her practice, and it is something worth seeking out regardless of which orthodontist you choose.
Get Clear on Cost and Financial Options Before You Commit
Orthodontic treatment is a real financial commitment. Costs vary depending on the type of treatment, the complexity of the case, and how long treatment takes. Before you sign anything, make sure you understand what is included in the quoted fee, whether there are additional costs for retainers or follow-up visits, and how the practice handles payment.
Ask specifically: Do you work with dental insurance? What financing options do you offer? Are there any fees that are not included in the initial treatment quote? Practices that are upfront about costs tend to handle the entire relationship more transparently, and that matters when you are signing up for a year or more of care.
Many families in the Kennett Square area have dental insurance that includes an orthodontic benefit, and a good orthodontic office will help you understand how to use it. It is also worth asking whether the practice offers in-house payment plans, since orthodontic treatment costs are often spread over the course of treatment rather than paid all at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old should my child be before seeing an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation by age 7. Most children will not need treatment that early, but an evaluation allows the orthodontist to spot developing issues and advise you on the right timing for your specific child.
What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
A dentist handles the general health of teeth and gums. An orthodontist is a specialist who completes additional years of training specifically in the alignment of teeth, bite, and jaw development. Not all dentists offer orthodontic treatment, and those who do are not orthodontic specialists.
Does orthodontic treatment hurt?
Some soreness is normal in the first few days after braces are placed or adjusted, and similarly after switching to a new set of aligners. Most patients describe it as pressure rather than sharp pain, and it typically fades within a few days. Modern systems like Damon braces use lighter forces that tend to be more comfortable than older techniques.
How do I know if my child needs braces or clear aligners?
That decision depends on the type of correction needed, your child’s age, and how responsible they are about wearing and caring for removable appliances. Aligners require a higher level of compliance since they need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. During the initial consultation, the orthodontist will evaluate your child and walk you through which options are appropriate.
Is the initial consultation free?
Many orthodontic practices, including Greeley Orthodontics, offer a complimentary initial consultation. This gives you a chance to meet the orthodontist, discuss your child’s needs, and understand what treatment might look like before making any financial commitment.
How long does orthodontic treatment typically take?
Most cases run anywhere from 12 to 24 months, though some complex situations take longer and some simpler cases finish sooner. Your orthodontist should give you a realistic estimate after evaluating your child, not a blanket promise that treatment will be done in a certain timeframe regardless of the case.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Finding the right orthodontist comes down to doing a little homework, asking direct questions, and trusting what you observe during that first visit. A practice that is willing to take time with you, explain their approach clearly, and give honest recommendations is one worth trusting with your child’s care.
Greeley Orthodontics has been serving families in Kennett Square and across Chester County for years. Dr. Greeley and her team treat patients of all ages, from early childhood evaluations through adult treatment, and they are known for taking the kind of time that makes families feel informed and confident in their decisions.
If you are ready to get started or just want to ask a few questions before committing, reach out to schedule a consultation. There is no pressure and no obligation. Just a conversation about what is right for your child.